Costa Brava, by Catamaran

Blanes is the first town of the south of Costa Brava. Usually people says that Costa Brava start’s in the big Rock of the center of the beach of Blanes, called: Sa Palomera. Catalonia’s beautiful Costa Brava is the easternmost point of Spain, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast. I was there during the half-term holiday with the eldest on a BritMums parent blogger trip, as guests of the Costa Brava tourist board. I’ve spent a lot of time in Spain, but this was my first visit to the Costa Brava, and I was curious to find out why National Geographic Traveler named it as one of the top travel destinations in the world in 2012. On a catamaran trip the day after we arrived, I understood: the coast we sailed along is rugged, unspoilt and gorgeous and not what I had expected at all. Peter, director of the Costa Brava tourist board, told me that a third of the Costa Brava is actually a protected nature reserve where nothing can be built.

We sailed on the 78 foot long catamaran from Blanes harbour along the Costa Brava nature reserve on a sunny, breezy day and dropped anchor in a sheltered bay for lunch on board. We helped the friendly crew make paella in the biggest pan I’ve ever seen .

We’d spent a thrilling morning at the nearby Windoor wind tunnel: I have to say that sunbathing, eating and drinking on the catamaran was the perfect way to relax after the adrenaline rush of Flyfish, and before our next stop, a Catalan cooking lesson on a farm – but that’s for another post. Family travel lowdown: Our catamaran trip was with Catamaran Costa Brava. Excursions start from 35 euros for adults, all included: music, games, meal, drinks, snorkeling… It’s a good way for summer.